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January 21, 2025

Federal Way Honors Life of Martin Luther King Jr. at PAEC

Federal Way’s 2025 MLK Day Celebration, held on Jan. 18 at the Performing Arts and Event Center, was a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event’s theme was “The Next Generation of the Dream” and featured a variety of performances from youth groups along with remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell, keynote speaker and youth advocate Evan Cook, and more.

 

Sponsored by the City of Federal Way Diversity Commission, the event was an opportunity for the Federal Way community to gather and honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Following the speeches and performances, community members participated in a Community Connection Hour event to connect with non-profits and local leaders dedicated to serving Federal Way.

 

In true alignment with Dr. King's vision of service, the event also included a food drive benefiting the Multi-Service Center, ensuring that the spirit of giving continues long after the celebration.

Officer Larson Receives Second Place in 2024 Bucky Award for Excellence

Officer Larson was recently awarded second place in the 2024 Bucky Award of Excellence. This award, presented by Pasado Safe Haven, acknowledges the outstanding work of Officer Larson and our animal services department in saving a dog's life.


In March 2023, Officer Larson rescued a severely emaciated and injured pit bull. The dog had been so neglected that his bones were visible, and he appeared very weak after being left outside for days and weeks on a patio.


Officer Larson acted quickly, providing the pup with water and food, and connected him with the Tacoma Humane Society. Initially, the dog weighed only 41.3 pounds, but by the end of April, he had gained weight and was a healthier 62.9 pounds.


The dog's owners were criminally charged and are now banned from owning animals in the future.

 

Pasado Safe Haven is a non-profit organization founded to help end animal cruelty. Pasado Safe Haven provides assistance and resources for local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases.

Mayor Visits PYC Sweets & Wine Bar

Sisters Niesy Gaul and Victoria Gaul are the owners of PYC Sweets & Wine Bar, the new and only wine bar located in Federal Way. PYC specializes in gourmet desserts, food and wine pairings, hosting events, and wine education.


Mayor Jim Ferrell recently visited the location to tour the site, meet the owners, and try a sample of the offerings. PYC is a family-owned, soulful, upbeat, diverse establishment that offers a divine experience for everyone.


An announcement for a grand opening and ribbon cutting at PYC is expected to be made soon.

Featured Upcoming Event

Nonprofit Workshop at the PAEC on Jan. 23

The Performing Arts and Event Center is hosting an informative evening with 4Culture, the cultural funding agency for King County, on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m.


This event is designed for nonprofits in the area to learn about the grant opportunities and resources available through 4Culture. 


The event includes a presentation on upcoming grants, programs, and how 4Culture’s funding supports cultural endeavors in the region along with a chance to network and ask questions.

More Information

Enrollment Fee Waived at Federal Way Community Center until Jan. 31

Ready to prioritize your health and wellness this year? The Federal Way Community Center is here to help you kick off 2025 with a special offer!


Join us this January, and we’ll waive the $50 enrollment fee on monthly memberships!


Visit the Federal Way Community Center to sign up and save — this exclusive offer is only available for in-person enrollment and ends January 31, 2025! Don’t miss out!

Sign Up Now!

Federal Way Waste Management Selects 2024 Recycling All-Stars

Federal Way Waste Management recently selected Marlene's Market & Deli and Cove East Apartments as its 2024 Recycling All-Stars on Facebook. The Federal Way Recycling All-Stars award honors businesses, residents, and property managers who demonstrate exceptional recycling practices.


Marlene's Market & Deli is setting high standards in recycling. They provide bins for hard-to-recycle items like batteries and textiles, compost their operational food waste, set aside food waste for customers, and offer a package-free section to reduce packaging waste.


Cove East Apartments excels with comprehensive recycling and composting programs, creating a green sustainable environment for residents.


Are you going to be a 2025 Recycling All Star? Take the pledge to enter for a chance to win one month of free recycling (residential customers) or a pizza party and educational day for your staff (commercial and multifamily customers)! Sign up at https://heyor.ca/bwSjgP.

Jan. 21 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.


How to Attend: Attend in person at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. or watch live on Zoom, the city's YouTube channel, or FW Channel 21.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Pressure Washer Workshop Jan. 22

Learn how to safely use pressure washers for your home maintenance needs at our Pressure Washer Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the South King Tool Library.


Participants will learn how to efficiently clean outdoor surfaces like driveways, decks, siding, and fences using a high-pressure washer.


View our Facebook event page to RSVP and for more details.

View Event Details

State of the City Scheduled for Feb. 13

SAVE THE DATE. Mayor Jim Ferrell's annual State of the City Address will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The event is free and open to the public.


Hear an inspiring address from Mayor Ferrell as we celebrate our community’s accomplishments and share an exciting vision for the future.


This special evening is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping Federal Way’s journey forward. Let’s come together to honor our city and explore what’s ahead.

Bloodworks Blood Drive Jan. 30

The City of Federal Way is partnering with Bloodworks Northwest to host a blood drive at City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Did you know it takes 1,000 donors a day to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply in the Pacific Northwest? Make a one-hour appointment for the blood drive today.


Walk-ins may be available, but spots are limited.

Make an Appointment

Free Financial Literacy Classes

The City of Federal Way is partnering with community volunteers and the Dave Ramsay Financial Peace University to offer a free nine-week course teaching financial skills for Federal Way residents.


The classes will be held every Thursday from Jan. 16 through March 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Federal Way Community Center.


Free child care is available for class participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register Now

Cirque Kalabanté at the PAEC on Feb. 28

Afrique en Cirque is a show by Yamoussa Bangoura, inspired by daily life in Guinea. This performance shares the beauty, youth, and artistry of African culture.


A colorful show beyond its scenery, costumes, and staging, it makes any theatre vibrate with energy and represents the strength, agility, and life’s joys of young Africans. 


See Cirque Kalabanté at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m.

Buy Tickets Now

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. at the PAEC on March 5

R.E.S.P.E.C.T is an electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.


This concert experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage, and triumph. Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, come experience a night of music by one of the greatest artists of all time.


See R.E.S.P.E.C.T. at the Performing Arts and Event Center on March 5 at 7 p.m.

Buy Tickets Now

PAEC Upcoming Events

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year round. Upcoming events include:


  • Jan. 21: Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
  • Jan. 25: Big Band Concert I–Score One for the Bass
  • Jan. 29: Albert Cummings
  • Feb. 8: Crash Test Dummies
  • Feb. 16: Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett


Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.

PAEC Event Calendar

Federal Way Symphony Season

Established in 1983, the Federal Way Symphony has provided our community with high-quality, professional music for more than 40 years.


Performances are held at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The Federal Way Symphony is currently inviting those interested to buy a ticket to attend performances for their current season, titled "Cosmic Melodies."


Visit the Federal Way Symphony website to view their full calendar listing and to purchase tickets.

Federal Way Symphony

Miss Holmes at Centerstage Theatre

Centerstage Theatre is putting on "Miss Holmes" Jan. 31 through Feb. 23 at the Knutzen Family Theater located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd.


This twisty, intriguing mystery takes the most iconic detective pairing in literary history and delivers everything you want in a mystery while turning one thing on its head: What if Sherlock and Dr. Watson were women?


General Admission Tickets are $39 in advance (online or over the phone) and $41 at the door. Student, Military, and Senior Ticket discounts are available. More details available online or by phone at 253-661-1444. 

Buy Tickets Now